Broncos 51, Cowboys 48: Instant Analysis

Peyton Manning has been playing at an unprecedented level. There are plenty of stats we could throw your way to show how efficient and productive this offense has been in the young season, but the most telling is the volume of points scored.

Broncos have 217 points so far in 2013. That matches most by team in 1st 5 games of season (2000 Rams — not the 2007 Rams– also had 217)

2. Maybe Denver’s defense is the only thing that can stop the Broncos.

In addition to Champ Bailey being sidelined, Denver lost its other starting CB, Chris Harris, to a concussion sustained against Dallas. The Broncos will get some help Week 7 when DE Von Miller returns from his six-game suspension, but Denver’s defense will have to improve before then.

Broncos get Von back in 2 weeks, which will help, and 2 CBs are out, but this defense could cost them in postseason if they don't improve.

3. In a weak NFC East, Dallas should emerge on top at the end of the year

They may not look great at times, and they may not be as potent as some of the NFL’s elite, but the Cowboys have enough talent to take the division. Behind Romo, Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray, Dallas has enough firepower to put up points. It will just need to stay healthy and avoid the mental mistakes.

4. Tony Romo will be blamed, but Dallas was in the game because of his effort.

When his team needed him most, Romo delivered, throwing for 506 yards, five touchdowns, but one costly interception. He kept Dallas in a game everyone thought would be a drubbing. When you have a reputation for making costly mistakes late in games, however, it comes with the territory.